Until Canada showed the way, every alternative for dealing with Syria and Iran has been too unpalatable. Barack Obama will win a close race if he manages to thwart Assad and Khamenei prior to elections via moves as tough as anything neo-cons advocate but which by contrast involve no big military or treasury costs. Before it is too late, Obama can also reverse growing animosity toward a “do-nothing” West. His reputation for statesmanship would go up everywhere, especially in the history books.
A MASTERSTROKE PROPOSITON: Only shock treatment can encourage Khamenei and Assad to back off. Why not take the lead in persuading France, Germany and Turkey and other western nations to do what Canada just did for the same reasons? They’d have motives to go along: similar goals, similar constraintsand a universal disdain for Romney and the Neo-cons. Anything that might prevent a Romney victory would seem motive enough. The only downside I can see is the loss of a few “eyes” and ears.” Considering what might be gained, that is a small price.
WHO WOULD GO ALONG? Even one or two might do the trick. High probables are thoe who most complain of inaction (France and Turkey). Any others are a bonus, multiplying the effect. A few months ago Erdogan would have balked, but lack of viable alternatives, a growing refugee crisis, Iranian assistance to the PKK and the arrest of alleged IRI agents in Eastern Turkey have led to bitter divorce. Erdogan has been crying for action. This is his chance.
POTENTIAL EFFECTS ON SYRIA: Further regime demoralization and related defections. A growing sense of doom. Possible restraint by Iran in providing assistance. Encouraging Putin to drop support for a losing cause.
GREATER POTENTIAL EFFECTS ON IRAN: Imagine the psychological impact on a population already fed up with so many regime policies at present, The immediate effect on the rial’s value alone would likely be substantial. What would more diplomatic breaches do for Iran’s persistent denial of pariah status. Lack of diplomatic relations with the USA, Britain and Canada is already unpopular.
